The error message "Not admin, wrong version or custom error" is a specific issue frequently reported by users attempting to install certain third-party software (notably older CAD applications) on macOS Ventura. This typically occurs when a software's installer or "patcher" is incompatible with Ventura's updated security protocols or file system structure. Root Causes
SIP (System Integrity Protection): Ventura has stricter security than previous versions. The software's verification tool may fail if SIP is enabled.
Version Incompatibility: Many reports indicate this error specifically appears on Ventura, while the same files work perfectly on older versions like Monterey or Big Sur.
Admin Privilege Recognition: Ventura changed how admin rights are verified in System Settings, which can cause older legacy patchers to fail even if the user is an administrator. Recommended Fixes
If you are encountering this error, users and experts suggest the following steps: Remove admin privileges from a macOS user (Ventura)
sw_vers
uname -m
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /path/to/file-or-app
sudo installer -pkg /path/to/installer.pkg -target /
codesign --verify --deep --strict --verbose=2 /path/to/app
Once the errors are resolved, the heat should vanish. If not:
trustd cache (common Ventura heat bug):
sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Keychains/trustd.sqlite3
sudo killall trustd
If you're still having trouble, providing more specific details about the error message you're seeing or the application you're trying to use can help narrow down the solutions.
The error message "Not admin, wrong version or custom error" is a known bug that
typically appears when a macOS Ventura update or installation process fails due to a corruption of administrative privileges or a mismatch in the system's setup files Primary Troubleshooting Steps
If you are locked out of administrative tasks or receiving this error during an update, follow these steps to regain control: Create a New Admin via Recovery Mode
If your primary account has lost admin status, you can force macOS to run its initial setup again to create a new administrator: Intel Macs: Restart and hold Command + R Apple Silicon (M1/M2): Shut down, then hold the Power button until "Loading startup options" appears; select In the menu bar, go to Utilities > Terminal rm /Volumes/"Macintosh HD"/var/db/.AppleSetupDone (adjust "Macintosh HD" if your drive has a custom name).
Restart your Mac. It will behave like a new machine; follow the prompts to create a new admin account
. Use this account to restore admin rights to your original user in System Settings > Users & Groups Reset System Permissions & Password If the error is specifically blocking an install or update: Recovery Mode resetpassword
to launch the password reset utility, which can often re-sync administrative "owner" status on Apple Silicon Macs. Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) Temporarily
For "custom error" messages related to older hardware or patchers (like OpenCore), you may need to disable SIP to allow the installer to write to the disk: Recovery Mode Terminal csrutil disable and restart. Re-enable this after your fix by typing csrutil enable in Recovery. Alternative Fixes open - Apple Support Community
If you are seeing "not an administrator," "wrong version," or other custom errors like "failed to personalize" while updating to macOS Ventura, you can usually fix these by bypassing standard update methods or resetting permissions. Common Ventura Installation Fixes
Try Safe Mode First: Many Ventura update errors, including credential rejections, are resolved by restarting in Safe Mode . Intel Macs: Hold Shift while turning it on.
Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3): Press and hold the Power button until "Loading startup options" appears, select your disk, hold Shift, and click Continue in Safe Mode .
Bypass "Not Admin" Rejection: If Ventura refuses your admin password, users have successfully completed the update by entering their Standard user credentials instead when prompted, or by performing the update while in Safe Mode . Fix "Wrong Version" / Disk Errors: Ensure you have at least 25 GB of free space .
Check that your Date & Time are set to "Set automatically." An incorrect system date can cause "damaged" or "unverifiable" software errors . Address Overheating ("Hot") Issues:
If your Mac runs hot during or after the Ventura upgrade, it may be due to high CPU usage from background indexing or a faulty app . Check Activity Monitor for energy-intensive processes.
If a fresh install is still overheating, some users found that erasing all content and settings and reinstalling helped stabilize temperatures . Advanced Solutions
Reset Admin Password: If locked out, boot into macOS Recovery (Cmd+R), open Terminal, type resetpassword, and follow the prompts to restore admin access .
Use a Bootable USB: If Software Update continues to fail with custom errors, download the full installer from the Mac App Store and create a bootable USB drive to perform a clean install .
Firmware Restore: For persistent "Failed to Personalize" errors on M-series Macs, you may need to use Apple Configurator on a second Mac to revive or restore the firmware .
Are you getting a specific error code or is the update stuck at a certain percentage? not admin wrong version or custom error mac ventura hot
The error message "Not Admin, Wrong Version, or Custom Error" on macOS Ventura is a frustrating roadblock that usually pops up when trying to run game launchers—specifically those for World of Warcraft or private servers—or third-party installers. While it sounds like a permissions issue, it is almost always a compatibility clash between the app’s architecture and macOS Ventura’s security protocols.
Here is how to bypass this error and get your software running. 1. The Terminal "Chmod" Fix
Most of the time, macOS Ventura flags the application as "quarantined" or forgets that the file has execution permissions. This is the most successful fix for "Custom Error" messages. Open your Applications folder. Right-click the app and select Show Package Contents. Navigate to Contents > MacOS. Open the Terminal app (Command + Space, type "Terminal"). Type chmod +x (make sure there is a space after the x).
Drag the Unix executable file from that MacOS folder into the Terminal window. Hit Enter. 2. Bypass Gatekeeper Quarantining
macOS Ventura has tightened security on apps not downloaded from the App Store. If the app was downloaded via a browser, it might be stuck in "quarantine" mode. Open Terminal.
Type the following command:sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/YOUR_APP_NAME.app
Replace "YOUR_APP_NAME" with the actual name of the app or drag the app icon into the window to auto-fill the path. Enter your Mac password when prompted. 3. Move the App to the Applications Folder
It sounds simple, but many users encounter the "Not Admin" error because they are trying to run the app directly from the .dmg (disk image) or the Downloads folder.
Ventura uses "App Translocation," which runs apps in a random read-only directory if they aren't in the official Applications folder. Drag the app into /Applications and try launching it again. 4. Check Rosetta 2 Installation
If you are using an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, or M3 chip), the "Wrong Version" error often means the app was built for Intel processors and your Mac hasn't triggered the Rosetta 2 translation layer. Open Terminal.
Paste this command:/usr/sbin/softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license
Once installed, right-click your app, select Get Info, and check the box for "Open using Rosetta" if it is available. 5. Full Disk Access Permissions
If the error specifically mentions "Not Admin," Ventura might be blocking the app from reading its own data files. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Full Disk Access. Click the + icon and add the application or launcher. Toggle the switch to On. Summary of Causes
Not Admin: Usually a "Full Disk Access" or file ownership issue.
Wrong Version: A conflict between Intel (x86) and Apple Silicon (ARM) code.
Custom Error: Often a broken file path or a quarantine flag from the internet download.
If you tell me which specific app or game is triggering this, I can provide the exact file paths for the Terminal commands.
Troubleshooting "Not Admin," Version Mismatches, and Overheating on macOS Ventura
Upgrading to macOS Ventura brought a sleek new interface and powerful features like Stage Manager, but it also introduced a specific set of headaches for power users. If you are staring at a "Not Admin" warning, facing "Wrong Version" app blocks, or feeling your MacBook run dangerously hot, you aren’t alone.
These three issues often interlink, stemming from how Ventura handles security permissions and system resources. Here is how to fix them. 1. Fixing the "Not an Administrator" Error
Even if you are the sole owner of your Mac, Ventura’s heightened security can sometimes "forget" your administrative status. This usually happens due to a corrupted User Group database or an issue with FileVault. The Fix: Boot into Recovery Mode Shut down your Mac. Boot to Recovery:
Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3): Hold the Power button until "Loading startup options" appears. Select Options > Continue.
Intel Mac: Hold Command (⌘) + R immediately after pressing the power button. In the top menu bar, go to Utilities > Terminal. Type resetpassword and hit Enter.
A window will appear. You don’t actually need to change your password; often, simply selecting your user account and clicking "Deactivate Mac" (and then reactivating) forces Ventura to re-verify your admin credentials.
Alternatively, in Terminal, type: rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone. This tricks the Mac into thinking it’s brand new, allowing you to create a new admin account to repair your old one. 2. Resolving "Wrong Version" or Custom App Errors The error message "Not admin, wrong version or
macOS Ventura dropped support for many older drivers and 32-bit legacy components. If you get a "Wrong Version" error or a "Custom Error" when launching an app, it’s likely a Gatekeeper or Rosetta 2 conflict. The Fix: Force Compatibility
Update Rosetta 2: If you're on Apple Silicon, many apps fail because the translation layer is buggy. Open Terminal and run:/usr/sbin/softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license
Clear Extended Attributes: If an app says it’s damaged or the wrong version, Ventura might be "quarantining" it. Run this in Terminal (drag the app into the window for the path):xattr -cr /path/to/application.app
Check for Beta Profiles: If you previously used a macOS Beta, your Mac might be trying to download incompatible "Wrong Version" system files. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and ensure you are opted out of Beta updates. 3. Managing the "Hot" MacBook Issue
Ventura is resource-heavy. If your Mac is running "hot" (high CPU temps and loud fans), it’s usually due to background indexing or a runaway process. The Fix: Cool Down the System
The Spotlight Index: After a Ventura update, your Mac re-indexes every file. This can take 24–48 hours and makes the Mac very hot. To check, open Activity Monitor, click the CPU tab, and look for mds or mdworker. If they are high, simply leave your Mac plugged in overnight to finish.
Identify Runaway Processes: Look for WindowServer in Activity Monitor. In Ventura, if you have too many "Stages" active in Stage Manager, WindowServer CPU usage spikes.
System Settings Bug: Some users report that the "Wallpaper" and "Screen Saver" settings in Ventura can bug out, causing the GPU to work overtime. Try switching to a static (non-dynamic) wallpaper to see if temps drop. Summary Checklist Admin Issues: Use Recovery Mode to reset the user database.
Version Errors: Reinstall Rosetta 2 or clear the xattr quarantine flags.
Overheating: Give the mds indexer time to finish and check WindowServer usage.
This specific error string often points to a permissions or installer mismatch on macOS Ventura. It typically happens when the system fails to verify your administrative rights or the installer package version during an update. 🛠️ Immediate Fixes
If you are locked out of admin tasks or seeing "Wrong Version" errors, try these steps:
Boot into Safe Mode: Hold the Power button (Silicon) or Shift key (Intel) during startup to clear system caches.
Check Disk Permissions: Use Disk Utility in your Utilities folder to run "First Aid" on your primary drive.
Verify Date/Time: Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time. If your clock is off, Apple's servers will reject the installation.
Re-grant Admin Rights: If your account is listed as "Standard," you may need to boot into Recovery Mode and use the Terminal command resetpw to regain control. ⚠️ Common Causes
Mismatched Installers: Attempting to run a beta or older Ventura installer over a newer security patch.
Server Lag: If the Apple System Status page shows issues, the "Custom Error" is likely a server-side timeout.
Storage Limits: macOS Ventura requires roughly 26–44GB of free space to verify and swap files during a "Hot Fix" or update. 💻 Advanced Troubleshooting
If the standard UI fails, use the Terminal to force the update: Open Terminal. Type softwareupdate -l to find the available versions.
Type softwareupdate -i -a to download and install all pending updates.
Did this happen during a system update or while installing an app? Are you currently logged in as an Admin? Is your Mac an Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) model? Making a user account admin on a Mac (System Preferences)
This error typically pops up when trying to install cracked or older software (like AutoCAD or Adobe apps) on macOS Ventura or newer. It happens because the OS's tightened security settings and the Gatekeeper system don't recognize the installer's permissions or "damaged" signature.
🛠️ Fixing "Not admin, wrong version or custom error" on macOS Ventura
Are you getting the "Not admin, wrong version or custom error" message while trying to install software on macOS Ventura? This is a common headache, especially with older installers or specific CAD software. Here is how to bypass it: 1. Use the "Show Package Contents" Trick Useful Terminal commands (copy/paste)
Often, the main installer icon is just a wrapper that Ventura blocks. Right-click the installer file. Select Show Package Contents. Navigate to Contents > MacOS.
Find the executable file inside (usually has the same name as the app) and double-click it to run the installation via Terminal. 2. Clear the Quarantine Attribute
macOS puts a "quarantine" tag on files downloaded from the internet. You can manually strip this using Terminal: Open Terminal.
Type sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine (make sure there is a space at the end).
Drag and drop your installer app into the Terminal window to auto-fill the path. Press Enter and type your Mac password. 3. The "Monterey" Workaround
According to user discussions on forums like PCBeta, Ventura's security is much stricter than previous versions. If you are tech-savvy and have a backup, some users found success by:
Installing the software on a Mac running macOS Monterey or Big Sur.
Upgrading that Mac to Ventura after the software is already activated. 4. Check for "Damaged" Files
If you get a message saying the app is damaged, use this Terminal command:sudo spctl --master-disableThis enables the "Allow apps from Anywhere" option in your Security & Privacy settings.
⚠️ Note: Always be careful when bypassing security prompts. Only do this for software you trust!
If you'd like, I can help you write a more specific guide if you tell me:
The exact software you are trying to install (e.g., AutoCAD, Photoshop). If you have already tried disabling Gatekeeper.
The "Not admin, wrong version or custom error" message is a known frustration for macOS Ventura
users, often appearing when running specific scripts or installers (like older Adobe patchers or custom tools). This usually happens because has tightened permissions, sometimes causing an account to behave like a user after the update
Draft Post: Fixing the "Not Admin / Custom Error" on macOS Ventura
Headline: Stuck with the "Not Admin / Wrong Version" Error on macOS Ventura? Here’s the Fix. The Problem:
You’re trying to open an application or run a script, and Ventura hits you with: "Not admin, wrong version or custom error." Even if you the admin, the system blocks you. Why it’s happening: Permission Scrambling:
macOS Ventura updates sometimes "downgrade" admin accounts to standard ones. Security Gating: The app may have an invalid or cached code signature. SIP/Automation Blocks: macOS is blocking the app from sending "System Events". Quick Fixes to Try First: Verify Admin Status: System Settings > Users & Groups
. Ensure your name has "Admin" underneath it. If it doesn't, you may need to enter Recovery Mode to restore privileges. The "Move & Reboot" Trick:
Sometimes the signature is cached. Copy the app to a new location (e.g., from Downloads to Desktop) and your Mac before trying again. Enable Automation: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation . Find the app and ensure System Events is toggled The "Deep Fix" (If you lost Admin rights):
If Ventura truly won't recognize you as an admin, follow these steps to trigger a new setup: Boot into Recovery: Hold the Power button (Silicon) or Cmd+R (Intel). Open Terminal: From the Utilities menu. Mount your Drive: mount -uw / (or use Disk Utility to mount "Macintosh HD - Data"). Remove Setup File: rm /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/var/db/.AppleSetupDone This forces macOS to create a new admin account
upon reboot. You can then use that new account to restore Admin rights to your original profile. open - Apple Support Community 11 Apr 2021 —
Software Version Errors: If you're encountering errors related to software versions on macOS Ventura, ensure that all your software is up to date. Open the App Store, go to the Updates tab, and install any available updates.
Custom Errors: If you're seeing custom error messages from specific applications or system components, try searching for the error code online or check the application's support site for known issues.
Mac Ventura Hot Issue: The term "hot" could refer to performance issues, overheating, or a "hot" update/installation process. Ensure your Mac has good airflow and isn't physically obstructed. For software or update issues:
Cmd + R at startup to enter Recovery Mode.resetpassword (don’t press enter yet).This clears Access Control Lists (ACLs) that may block admin recognition.
Only attempt if you fully understand the risks. Disabling System Integrity Protection stops some “not admin” errors but exposes your Mac to malware.
Cmd + R).csrutil disablecsrutil enable.